15 helpful Things To Say To Young Children

Everywhere we look, we find negativity and blame. What if we could turn things around? Would it be worth the effort? Try using some of these phases with the children you work and play with and see if it makes a difference.

• I love your smile.

• I hear you singing that song. I know that song!

• Is it raining outside?

• Thanks for playing along side Sheldon, Penny. It keeps him calm.

• Find a way to include Mary. You can think of something!

• It looks like, might be frustrated, Leonard. You could start again or take a breather.

• Thanks for picking up my pencil, Bernie. That was helpful.

• I'm glad you though of playing "baby" Janine. We have lots of babies for your friend to use.

• I know you want that toy, Howard. Maybe you could ask for a turn, like this, "Turn please!" I'l help you find another toy while your waiting or you could just wait.

• Thanks for writing a B on you picture Bernie. That's helpful to me when I put the pictures away after they dry.

• I like the way you gave the broccoli a try, Howie.

• I see your face going down like this, Stuart. It looks like you might be sad to say goodbye. Yeah? Let's blow a big kiss to Mommy and go find that airplane book you like so much!

• You cleaned up your spot without being told. That was helpful, Jorge!

• I see you looking at a book, Missy. Good idea!

• I like spending time with you!

Early Childhood Rocks is a nonprofit organization dedicated to building more peace, equity, and empathy in the world through early childhood education.

If you're dealing with a difficult child or difficult children, give yourself a break and hit the reset button.

If you're dealing with a hitting problem, you might want to see this publication that gives the exact steps to take and words to say to deal with it like early childhood professionals do.

Nanci J Bradley is an early childhood and family educator, author, teacher, family aerobics instructor, and an all-around fun-loving person. She believes in the power of sleep, healthy eating, lifelong learning, and most of all, PLAY!  (click on the word) She studied early childhood ed at Triton College and received her BS in education in 1986 from NIU. She received her MA in human development from Pacific Oaks College in 2011. She lives and teaches in Madison WI.